NAC and detox cocktail question

[Gertrudes]

Just a quick (probably dumb ) question:

I'm really new to detoxification and healthy eating, and there's a lot of things that confuse me.
Two days ago I received my most recent order of supplements which included NAC (N-acetylcysteine) to help me address my toxicity. Over the past few months I have been been taking the detox cocktail suggested in the book "Detoxify or Die" by Sherry Rodgers, including Vitamin C, Glutathione and Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA). The supplements for the cocktail are nearly finishing, and I'm not sure whether it would be best to start with NAC afterwords and discontinue with the other ones, or should I get one more order of Glutathione and ALA in place?

I'm asking this because I don't know how these will interact. From what I can understand after some reading, NAC and ALA are fine together, not sure about Glutathione since NAC seems to be a Glutathione booster, taking both might be just be a bit too much...I don't Know.

I haven't found anything addressing this issue specifically, and apologies if this has been covered elsewhere

Thanks in advance!

 

[EdgeofDawn]

I don't know, but I was doing that for a bit. I took the cocktail in the morning and the NAC later in the afternoon figuring that way it gave me a glutathione boost throughout the day.

 

[Meg]

Hi Gertrudes,

Not a dumb questions at all. It's a supplement jungle out there! As far your question about NAC & glutathione, the bioavailability of glutathione in pill form is questionable, so you can probably leave it out altogether. Here's a blurb from an article carried on Sott about it.

But there is a catch. Buying anything that says it is glutathione is a waste of pill popping money. The body's digestive system is very poor at taking glutathione into where it needs to go. Take heart, there are other ways to boost the body's glutathione, which are disclosed later in this article.

It is the body's intracellular function to produce glutathione in the liver from three amino acids, cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycene. Enough is needed to catalyze and maintain all the antioxidant's you consume for your protection. It even acts as insurance to prevent antioxidants from becoming free radicals themselves, regenerating and recycling them. As you get older, your body's ability to produce glutathione wanes.

Many now consider diminished glutathione production as the root cause of accelerated aging and ailments that are considered "normal" from aging, including Alzheimer's, inflammatory conditions from allergy to arthritis, asthma, COPD, Parkinson's Disease, and coronary and autoimmune diseases. DNA damage resulting from free radicals often leads to cancer. This is a very basic foundational scheme that goes awry as we age. If one can enhance internal glutathione production, the empowered immune system will create a bedrock of good health regardless of age.

Glutathione in our bodies can go inactive when it becomes saturated from doing it's work, but it tends to regenerate itself. Under ideal environmental conditions, 10% of the glutathione remains inactive, or oxidized, while the other 90% is active, or reduced, and continues to balance cell molecules and other antioxidants, as well as remove toxins. This is the function of normal metabolism's waste removal of free radicals by glutathione. But the barrage of additional toxins from our environment is too much to maintain that 90/10 ratio.

As the active glutathione drops below 90% and allows the inactive to increase beyond 10%, the struggle for optimum health becomes a losing battle. It becomes too difficult to remove toxins naturally. As they build up, the active glutathione diminishes even more. Active or reduced glutathione is also known as GSH, while inactive or oxidized glutathione is known as GSSG. When GSH falls below 70%, darkness descends on one's health. It's big trouble time.

How To Increase GSH

Since capsules marked glutathione are virtually worthless because the digestive system won't take it in, what delivery systems can enhance the body's ability to create and maintain the proper level of GSH? Well, intravenous glutathione will have immediate results for extreme situations, but cannot contribute to the cycle of circulating GHS. It's like recharging a car battery with a non functioning alternator. As soon as the battery drains, the car stalls!

Since capsules marked glutathione are virtually worthless because the digestive system won't take it in, what delivery systems can enhance the body's ability to create and maintain the proper level of GSH? Well, intravenous glutathione will have immediate results for extreme situations, but cannot contribute to the cycle of circulating GHS. It's like recharging a car battery with a non functioning alternator. As soon as the battery drains, the car stalls!

Dr. Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., uses a special nebulizer that he created to deliver glutathione to COPD and emphysema patients at his Tacoma, WA clinic. He has obtained excellent results, but it's doubtful that circulating GHS is maintained. The nebulizer has to be used until the lungs recover sufficiently. For long term protection, it's necessary to introduce precursors that stimulate the cells to create their own GHS glutathione, as needed internally, via the liver.

So it's important to feed the body GHS precursors. Of the three amino acids that generate GHS (active glutathione) in the liver, cysteine is considered the most vital link. It has been discovered that cysteine, balanced properly with glutamic acid and glycene, stimulates GHS production. S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM-e), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and supplements made from unadulterated, whey protein raise cysteine levels. Whey protein products that specialize in boosting the liver's GHS production have become the most convenient and popular choice.

Whey is a by product of cheese or yogurt processing. Unadulterated means the whey comes with no additives or preservatives. Additionally, the milk sources are non-hormone injected organic fed cows or goats. There are a few whey protein products that promote GHS production with cysteine. The processing of those whey products is delicate and precise; therefore, the products themselves are a bit pricey, ranging from $36 USD to $66 USD for a month's supply. Usually they are in powder form.

In addition to the supplementation you wind up using, or in lieu of using a supplement, here are some foods that are beneficial toward the GHS, glutathione circulating process. It is important to consume organic foods as the toxins added to conventional foods minimize the GHS levels.

All meats are high in cysteine, but unless you can go truly organic, the hormones and toxins will virtually neutralize GHS. Watermelon, walnuts, avocado, asparagus, broccoli, and tomato are good choices for glutathione enhancement, as are many dark green leafy vegetables. Ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, wheat germ and oat flakes round out this list.

The research and discovery of glutathione's importance, and the process to manufacture it within the body for proper circulation is relatively recent. Its awareness has straddled both alternative and mainstream medicine. GHS glutathione's importance as an essential antioxidant is indisputable. The health ramifications for just this one single agent, internally promoted by proper precursors, are comprehensive and encompassing.
Print

http://www.sott.net/articles/show/193946-The-Vital-Key-to-Maximum-Antioxidant-Activity-is-Glutathione

For now, I use Vitamin C, NAC and ALA for my detox shake w/ brown rice protein powder & other stuff. Sherry Rogers recommends forms of NAC (like Thiodox) in her book as a substitute for glutathione supplementation. You can also increase glutathione with coffee enemas, dietary changes and the supplementation mentioned in the article.

Coffee enemas: http://www.sott.net/articles/show/185888-Use-Coffee-Enemas-for-Detoxification

Others may have more suggestions. Happy Detoxing! :D

 

[Ollie]

I completed the Sherry Rogers detox quite a while ago. Ever since then, I use ALA on a daily basis, with NAC, L-Glutathione (taken with Blueberries) and Mega Vitamin B on a maintenance basis - taken on three successive days in a week.

 

[Gaby]

Hi Gertrudes,

Yes, the L-glutathione absorption is questionable, and even when it gets absorbed, it is not necessarily taken by the cells, where it should do its magic. On the other hand, Alpha Lipoic acid has shown to increase reliably intracellular levels of glutathione. In short, I will leave L-glutathione out and get only alpha lipoic acid and NAC.

Alpha lipoic acid has so many benefits as well, that it has become a favorite basic supplement. But if you have thyroid problems, its better to stay at the recommended dose of 100mg twice per day.

_http://nybcsecure.org/product_info.php?products_id=169

Thyroid caution! Lark Lands notes the following: Although it is not clear what percentage of people this may affect, in some people it appears that alpha-lipoic acid may block the proper conversion of T4, the storage form of thyroid hormone, into T3, the active form. This was first noted in animal research with alpha-lipoic acid, and has since been reported by a number of people known to me. When this occurs, people will develop the symptoms of hypothyroidism (which may include fatigue, low body temperature, weight gain, hair loss, splitting fingernails, depression, memory problems, muscle weakness, elevated cholesterol, and/or skin that is dry, rough or scaly). For this reason, it is important to monitor the thyroid, first at baseline, before lipoic acid is taken, and then after the first month or two of taking lipoic acid, to see if there have been any adverse effects. If not, it probably means that the thyroid is unlikely to be affected. However, it will still be wise to check the TSH level (a blood test that is an indicator of thyroid function) at least once or twice yearly, or any time that symptoms that could be related to low thyroid appear, as some people have taken 600 mg daily doses for lengthy periods (even up to five years in one case known to me) before TSH levels became elevated outside of the normal healthy range.

It is clear that this problem does not develop in everyone who uses lipoic acid. Some people seem to tolerate doses of 600 mg or even more daily with no problems, while others have developed serious thyroid problems with doses ranging from 500 mg to 1000 mg daily. In the people known to me who have been affected in this way, discontinuing the lipoic acid allowed the thyroid problems to disappear quite quickly. I personally experienced this when taking lipoic acid. My TSH had become seriously elevated, remaining at an abnormally high level for more than a year, and I had developed symptoms of hypothyroidism, including serious fatigue. Within six weeks of discontinuing the lipoic acid, my symptoms vanished and my TSH returned to normal and stayed there. I had made no other changes of any kind so it is clear to me that the lipoic acid was the problem for me that caused hypothyroidism. Since then, I have so far discovered four other people who developed similar problems while taking it. However, since alpha-lipoic acid is otherwise an excellent supplement, for all the reasons listed above, this does not mean it should be completely written off. Just do monitor the thyroid if you choose to take it!

NYBC adds that if you are on thyroid medication, it may be best to avoid lipoic at high doses.

You should be getting ALA's antioxidants benefits at the recommended dose of 100mg twice a day without having to worry about your thyroid.

NAC is also a source of glutathione, but NAC's benefits are not due exclusively due to the glutathione alone. And NAC can be given in case of thyroid problems. The recommended dose variates depending on the detox and your needs, but you can follow the recommendations in the label.

Here is more information on NAC:

_http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/The-Nac-Supplement---N-acetyl-Cysteine/780169

The NAC Supplement, N-Acetyl Cysteine, is highly effective for increasing glutathione levels. NAC is used for many different reasons. Studies have shown that it is beneficial for improving lung conditions, boosts immunity, improves functions of numerous organs, and it has neuroprotective properties. NAC has been proven to help decrease the symptoms of the common cold and the influenza virus. Other studies have shown it benefits withdrawals from cocaine addiction, it may be helpful in treating schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and even Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This is a very good supplement that research has proven to be very effective in treating numerous medical issues.

Simply put, NAC is the amino acid cysteine bound to an acetyl group for better assimilation or digestion. NAC raises the glutathione levels. Taking glutathione is not an effective means of raising the glutathione levels. In the body there are two major antioxidant enzymes: Glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Many individuals over the age of forty have a glutathione deficiency. By supplementing NAC you can correct this deficiency. You should take 600mg a day of NAC, but do not exceed this amount, to raise your glutathione levels.

There are many published studies that show the dramatic benefits of NAC in regards to improving lung conditions. It has been shown to benefit individuals suffering from lung conditions such as asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, tuber-culosis, pneumonia, and influenza. NAC prevents the formation of mucus. It is a mucolytic agent, or expectorant, that further helps to dissolve thick mucus that is already present in the lungs. In a clinical study it was shown that NAC reduced the exacerbation rate, an increase in the severity of the disease, in patients with Moderate to Severe COPD (Respiration Journal Vol 66, No. 6, 1999). 169 patients were randomly allocated to standard therapy plus 600mg of NAC once a day or standard therapy alone over a 6-month period. The study revealed a 41% decrease in the number of exacerbation in the group of patients treated with NAC. They also studied the number of days the patients were sick. The patients in the group taking the NAC experienced only 82 sick days whereas the patients just on standard therapy experienced 155 sick days. They concluded that NAC taken once a day by the COPD patients was well tolerated and it is likely to improve patient compliance with the prescribed regimen. In another clinical study done on 262 primarily elderly individuals it was determined that NAC may decrease influenza symptoms (ERS JOURNALS Ltd 1997). In the study 25% of the virus infected subjects undergoing NAC treatment developed symptoms whereas 79% of the placebo group developed symptoms.

It has been shown that patients with various cancers have low glutathione levels. In general, those who have higher glutathione levels have a lower risk of malignancies. It has strong neuroprotective properties. It is used in the prevention of renal failure. One study showed a 90% decrease in radiocontrast nephropathy from taking NAC. One study found that NAC may prevent contrast-medium-induced neopropathy with a dose-

dependent effect in patients treated with primary angioplasty and may improve hospital outcome (N. Engl. J. Med. 354 (26): 277382.) Another clinical study concluded that NAC protects patients with moderate chronic renal insufficiency from contrast-induced deterioration in renal function after coronary angiographic procedures, with minimal adverse effects and at a low cost (JAMA 289: 553). Other studies were done that demonstrate NAC supplementation helps in improving the liver and kidney function, it reduced colon problems such as colon polyps, and it ameliorated digestive problems such as gastritis. Overall NAC helps boost ones immunity. This means that NAC is also helpful in HIV support.

In a study at the Medical University of SC NAC was demonstrated to reduce the length and severity of withdrawal symptoms for cocaine addicts. Studies have even suggested that NAC taken with Vitamin C and B1 may help relieve the symptoms of viesalgia, a hangover deemed from alcohol consumption. These findings suggest that the NAC Supplement may show promise for other addictions, especially alcoholism since its the most prominent and harmful addiction on earth.

Other studies have even suggested that NAC reduces the symptoms of schizophrenia (Biol. Psychiatry 64 (5): 3618) and bipolar disorders (Biol. Psychiatry 64 (6): 46875). This was determined in 2 placebo controlled trials. NAC is also currently undergoing clinical trial in the United States for the treatment of Obsessive-compulsive disorder. NAC is thought to counteract the glutamate hyperactivity in patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD).

As mentioned before the NAC Supplement is a very good supplement that research has proven to be very effective in treating numerous medical issues. This is truly an amazing supplement that is backed by science.

 

[Gertrudes]

Thank you John!, Megapode, Trevrizent and Psyche,
This was really helpful, very useful information. I had no idea that Glutathione wasn't well absorbed, I'm glad to know this now, otherwise I would have ordered it again, in vain....

Glutathione in our bodies can go inactive when it becomes saturated from doing it's work, but it tends to regenerate itself.

, scary. It drops when we most need it!

Very interesting and relevant article on ALA and Thyroid Psyche. It also reminded me that I should probably check my thyroid as my mum had thyroid problems before (hyperthyroid in her case).

In the article on NAC, it says:

You should take 600mg a day of NAC, but do not exceed this amount, to raise your glutathione levels.

The NAC I ordered is 750mg. Would this then be too much? And if so, would pouring part, but not all of the capsule's content into a glass of water do it?

 

[Gaby]

The NAC I ordered is 750mg. Would this then be too much? And if so, would pouring part, but not all of the capsule's content into a glass of water do it?

NAC 750mg is okay.

Just as an example, I had taken 2400mg per day to help me out fighting the flu and to fight after effects of the flu. My immune system got out of whack after I was sick, now I'm finally getting back to track thanks to several things, including the coffee enemas, the heavy metal detox, the supplements (NAC, ALA, vitamins and minerals, multi enzymes, etc), the FIR sauna, and the diet of course :) . It is interesting that I didn't felt particularly bad with the flu at all, but I started to get bloated and swollen since then. Evil flu!

 

[Laura]

The NAC I ordered is 750mg. Would this then be too much? And if so, would pouring part, but not all of the capsule's content into a glass of water do it?

NAC 750mg is okay.

Just as an example, I had taken 2400mg per day to help me out fighting the flu and to fight after effects of the flu. My immune system got out of whack after I was sick, now I'm finally getting back to track thanks to several things, including the coffee enemas, the heavy metal detox, the supplements (NAC, ALA, vitamins and minerals, multi enzymes, etc), the FIR sauna, and the diet of course :) . It is interesting that I didn't felt particularly bad with the flu at all, but I started to get bloated and swollen since then. Evil flu!

I have 100 mg capsules and sometimes take one every two hours depending on how I feel. I KNOW when the detox process is slowing down because I get phlegm in my throat.

 

[Gaby]

Here is more information about NAC, from a mainstream source:

_http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/cysteine-000298.htm

Overview:

Cysteine is an amino acid that can be found in many proteins throughout the body. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), a modified form of cysteine, helps break down mucus and detoxify harmful substances in the body. Both cysteine and NAC have been shown to increase levels of the antioxidant glutathione.

Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals, damaging compounds in the body that alter cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet light, radiation, cigarette smoking, and air pollution) can also increase the number of these damaging particles. Free radicals are believed to contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health problems, including heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants such as glutathione can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.
Uses:

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) offers a variety of potential therapeutic uses, particularly in the prevention or in the treatment of the following conditions:

Acetaminophen poisoning

Health care providers commonly administer oral or intravenous (IV) NAC to prevent or reduce liver and kidney damage associated with overdoses of acetaminophen (Tylenol), an over-the-counter (OTC) medication commonly used for pain or headache. Acetaminophen poisoning can occur at lower doses of the drug if someone drinks alcohol or takes certain medications that may damage the liver on a regular basis.

Heart disease

In clinical studies of people having a heart attack or those with ongoing chest pain, NAC, in combination with nitroglycerin (a drug that opens up blood vessels and improves blood flow), has been more effective than either NAC or nitroglycerin alone in reducing subsequent chest pain, heart attack, and the risk of death. However, individuals who receive both NAC and nitroglycerin may experience a severe headache. These results are promising, but further human studies are needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of NAC for heart disease.

Respiratory illness

A review of clinical studies also found that NAC may help dissolve mucus and improve symptoms associated with chronic bronchitis, asthma, cystic fibrosis and emphysema. Chronic smokers also may benefit from NAC supplementation. Clinical studies on large groups of people have found that NAC appears to have cancer prevention properties in people who are at risk for lung cancer.

Free radical damage is believed to contribute to the development and progression of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a condition characterized by the rapid and progressive malfunction of the lungs. Although not all clinical studies agree, some research (laboratory and human) suggests that intravenous NAC may boost levels of glutathione and subsequently prevent and/or treat lung damage caused by ARDS. However, results of other studies have been conflicting. Further investigation is needed.

HIV/AIDS

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is considered to be a condition of excessive oxidative stress (caused by free radicals) where the antioxidant glutathione is depleted significantly. Therefore, it is believed that supplementation with cysteine may help strengthen the immune system in those with HIV and diminish the bodily damage associated with this infection.

In one well-designed clinical study of people with HIV, those who took a daily supplement regimen including the amino acid glutamine (40 grams per day), vitamin C (800 mg), vitamin E (500 IU), beta-carotene (27,000 IU), selenium (280 mcg), and N-acetylcysteine (2400 mg) gained significantly more weight after 12 weeks than those who took placebo. Similarly, in a smaller-scale clinical study using NAC in HIV positive patients, the supplement did increase glutathione levels while a placebo did not.

Others

Low levels of cysteine may be linked to an increased risk of cervical dysplasia (changes to the opening of the uterus that are precancerous or cancerous). Preliminary evidence also suggests that NAC supplements:

* May improve symptoms associated with Sjögren's syndrome (an autoimmune disorder characterized by dry mouth and dry eyes).
* Help enhance cognitive functioning in some individuals with Alzheimer's disease
* Prevent development of cataracts and macular degeneration
* Slow down motor impairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, often called Lou Gehrig's disease which is a progressive loss of control of voluntary muscles due to destruction of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord)
* Help treat hepatitis C when combined with standard medical treatment
* Help increase HDL cholesterol (the good kind of cholesterol)
* Help increase fertility along with fertility drugs in people with polycystic ovary disease
* Help improve outcome in children with advanced cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy, a type of leukemia
* May be useful in treating cocaine addiction. Twenty-three cocaine addicts completely or significantly reduced their use of cocaine during treatment with NAC in a small clinical study.

Dietary Sources:

The body synthesizes cysteine from the essential amino acid methionine. Cysteine is also found in most high-protein foods.

Available Forms:

* NAC aerosol spray (prescription)
* NAC liquid solution (prescription)
* NAC topical solution
* L-cysteine powder
* Cysteine/NAC tablets or capsules

How to Take It:

NAC is administered either intravenously or orally in the hospital to treat acetaminophen (Tylenol) poisoning in both children and adults. Acetaminophen poisoning is a medical emergency, and treatment must be started within 8 hours of an overdose. [Psyche: NAC is actually the antidote for acetaminophen poisoning. It saves people from a potential liver transplant...]

Pediatric

There are no specific pediatric recommendations for the dietary supplement cysteine. If laboratory tests reveal that the child has an amino acid imbalance that requires treatment, a health care provider may recommend a complete amino acid supplement that contains cysteine.

Adult

Recommended adult doses of NAC vary depending on the health condition being treated. The following list provides guidelines for the most common uses.

* For adults 18 years and older with respiratory illness: Take 200 mg, 2 times daily, for chronic bronchitis. Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a medical emergency and is treated in the intensive care unit in the hospital with intravenous NAC as part of a comprehensive treatment regimen.
* For antioxidant protection/general health: Take 500 mg daily to start. The dosage may be increased, with guidance by a health care provider. Someone with HIV/AIDS may be put on a dose as high as 4,000 mg daily. Adding a multivitamin will ensure that you are getting the B vitamins you need when taking NAC.

Precautions:

Extremely high doses (more than 7 grams) of cysteine should be avoided because it may be toxic to human cells and may even lead to death.

There was one study which showed that supplements of NAC — an average of 4 grams daily — prolonged survival for up to three years in the time before antiretroviral therapy was widely available for HIV patients. But anecdotal reports suggest that taking such large doses of NAC for prolonged periods could cause abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

According to results from two German studies, a dose of 3 grams every other day was effective at increasing glutathione levels and did not cause toxicity. Also, taking NAC with meals may reduce nausea.

I find it interesting that NAC has been given antiviral properties for virus like HIV and it has been found useful for the influenza virus. Probably my flu did not felt so bad due to the NAC and Vitamin C I took. When I was sick, I pretty much sticked to NAC and vitamin C and a very simple diet.

One could follow label instructions, but have in mind the higher doses for special occasions. Now I lowered my dose to 600mg capsules twice or three times per day, sometimes 4 capsules from time to time though, as I'm doing a heavy metal detox. NAC also helps with that as well :)

 

[Gertrudes]

The NAC I ordered is 750mg. Would this then be too much? And if so, would pouring part, but not all of the capsule's content into a glass of water do it?

NAC 750mg is okay.

Just as an example, I had taken 2400mg per day to help me out fighting the flu and to fight after effects of the flu.

I have 100 mg capsules and sometimes take one every two hours depending on how I feel.

Oh OK, it's good to know that doses are not that strict.

I KNOW when the detox process is slowing down because I get phlegm in my throat.

Interesting to notice the effects of detox. If it hadn't been for reading everyone's experiences in this board I would have given up from the beginning. When I changed my diet and started with the detox cocktail, I become constantly bloated, with frequent cramps from stomach gas, and my skin erupted in acne. I learned that detoxing symptoms can feel pretty bad, which helped. A few months after, bloating and cramps are gone, and my skin feels like having been completely stripped and substituted for a new one. I don't think I've had such an healthy skin for years. I think that if it looks healthy on the outside, it surely must be doing some good on the inside.

My immune system got out of whack after I was sick, now I'm finally getting back to track thanks to several things, including the coffee enemas, the heavy metal detox, the supplements (NAC, ALA, vitamins and minerals, multi enzymes, etc), the FIR sauna, and the diet of course :) . It is interesting that I didn't felt particularly bad with the flu at all, but I started to get bloated and swollen since then. Evil flu!

Psyche, I hope you are feeling better now. Indeed, strange evil flu...

I forgot to thank you for the links Megapode. I am taking a look now at the coffee enemas for a colon cleanse.

 

[Gertrudes]

I would like to share something I am experiencing after about 2 weeks of a stricter diet program plus supplements. Rather then opening a new thread, I thought of sharing it here.

For the past 2 weeks I have been stricter with my diet, and have cut out all sugar. I am still eating products with gluten, which I hope to be a matter of time until elimination. I often eat when travelling between the places where I work, not ideal, but part of the job. So far, oat Crackers, rye brad and fruit have been the perfect snack before I can have a free time and space to have lunch. That can take a while, depending on the day. I would like to eliminate gluten and see the difference, but I need more time to study healthy and practical alternatives.

Nevertheless, for the past 2 weeks I have decreased the amount of these snacks for a more organized lunch schedule where I can have the space and time to eat the food I cook (it took me quite a while to sort this one out); I've eliminated sugar ( ); and I am taking supplements (vitamins, magnesium, zinc, ALA; vitamin C, NAC, fish oil, 5htp, probiotics).
I can say that in 2 weeks my regular tiredness has decreased if not gone and my ability to concentrate seems to have slightly increased. I noticed a difference in my physical condition, in a general increased muscular suppleness and relaxation.
To top it all up, I have been suffering from an inflammation on my right thumb and wrist since March. In my job, it is really important that I am fiscally functional (I'm a Pilates teacher) and it has been frustrating to work with a non functional hand for the past months. Surprise of surprise, the inflammation and the swelling are completely gone! Like that..puf! It is hard to tell what caused what, as I have started so many supplements at once, but so far, I am definitely enjoying the results.

I hope I can keep this rhythm, it will be harder going back home for Christmas now with the characteristic food feast... :/

 

[Uperios]

The Many Benefits of NAC — One of the Most Important Supplements You’ve Likely Never Heard Of​

Story at a glance:

• N-acetylcysteine (NAC) boosts production of glutathione, an important antioxidant that helps reduce free radical damage and plays a role in the detoxification of heavy metals and other harmful substances
• In emergency medicine, NAC is used as an antidote for acetaminophen toxicity resulting from an overdose. Mortality due to acetaminophen toxicity is largely eliminated when NAC is promptly administered
• The most common use of NAC is for liver support, but it’s also showing tremendous promise in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease
• NAC also shows particular promise in the treatment of mental health disorders, including PTSD, depression and drug abuse, and appears to improve fertility in both men and women
• NAC is safe and inexpensive, and has been commercially available for a long time. It’s also generally well-tolerated and has no known serious side effects

 

[Mari]

Here is one article linking NAC with PCOS

5 Benefits of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) for PCOS

Don't overlook the potential of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to help women with PCOS conceive and reduce metabolic complications.

www.verywellhealth.com

N-acetylcysteine, simply known as NAC, is a powerful antioxidant that may provide the following benefits for people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS):

• Boost fertility
• Improve insulin resistance
• Restore hormone balance
• Fight inflammation
• Help liver function

Known in Europe for decades as an immune-boosting supplement and a popular treatment for bronchitis, NAC is emerging as a promising integrative treatment for women who are having complications from PCOS.1

This article discusses these five potential benefits of NAC for PCOS.

Boosts Fertility​

For the approximately 70% of women with PCOS who experience infertility, NAC may offer some hope.2

A 2015 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology looked at the benefits of NAC in eight randomized controlled trials involving 910 women with PCOS. The review showed that NAC provided significant improvements in ovulation, as well as pregnancy and live birth rates as compared to a placebo alone.3

NAC has been shown to have similar benefits as metformin for improving pregnancy rate, spontaneous ovulation, and improving menstrual regularity in women with PCOS.

For women who are resistant to Clomid, NAC may help to improve their fertility as well. A 2014 study published in the European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology found that NAC users had a nine times higher ovulation rate and a five times higher pregnancy rate in Clomid-resistant women as compared to a placebo.4

Improves Insulin Resistance​

NAC can protect insulin receptors and influence insulin receptor activity secretion from the pancreas cells. As a result, NAC can improve insulin resistance.3

Although it’s not FDA approved for its use, metformin remains a commonly-prescribed medication to help women with PCOS who have insulin resistance.5

Johnson NP. Metformin use in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Ann Transl Med. 2014;2(6):56. doi:10.3978/j.issn.2305-5839.2014.04.15
Several studies have compared NAC and metformin in women with PCOS.

Women who took NAC showed similar results to metformin for improving insulin resistance as well as lowering cholesterol levels, and without experiencing the common gastrointestinal side effects that metformin can cause.6

Restores Hormone Balance​

A surprising benefit of NAC is that it may have the potential to balance certain hormones.

In a 2019 study published in The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India, researchers randomized women with PCOS to take metformin (1500 milligrams per day, mg/day) or NAC (1800 mg/day) for 24 weeks.

The group that received NAC showed better improvements in their metabolic and hormonal profiles, which included a greater reduction of total testosterone.7

Fights Inflammation​

Women with PCOS have been shown to have higher levels of oxidative stress than women without PCOS.8 High levels of oxidative stress can damage cells and promote inflammation which in turn worsens the metabolic aspects of PCOS.

As a powerful antioxidant, NAC works to fight oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.

Helps Your Liver​

Sometimes women with PCOS develop metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD).9 This type of fatty liver disease can result from high insulin and triglyceride levels. It can be reversed with modifications in your diet.

A 2020 analysis published in Antioxidants found that NAC may be able to improve liver function by reducing levels of oxidative stress in those with MASLD. It may also help reduce certain complications associated with the disease.10

Summary​

Overall, NAC is a well-tolerated dietary supplement that offers numerous benefits to people with PCOS.

If you’re interested in trying NAC to see if it will help you get pregnant or reduce some of the metabolic consequences of PCOS, such as fatty liver and insulin resistance, talk with your healthcare provider and registered dietitian nutritionist. They can determine what dose is appropriate for you.

Since it says that it "improves menstrual regularity" and "balances certain hormones", could the side effect of taking it cause a prolongated/extended menstrual cycle, late period, etc, until the body balances?